"One Pumpkin Spice Latte please."
Bart nodded before starting to work on the drink. He smiled when he noticed it was his boyfriend. Lisa always came a few minutes before he was finished with his shift.
The motions of making a latte were easy but putting the pumpkin spice in was always tricky. There was a certain amount one had to add to make it perfect. Most people always put too much in or not enough. Bart had it down pat though. A lot of customers always requested him to make it for them.
"Here you go."
A smile answered him before Lisa took a seat in the corner to wait for him.
"Go." Wallace shot him a look. "You're going to be doing nothing but looking at him for the next ten minutes. I'll be okay. I have Ash Ketchum here with me."
Bart beamed brightly at her before he punched out. He made sure to throw his apron on a hanger on the way out.
The younger man greeted Lisa with a soft kiss when he made it to the corner booth. The taste of pumpkin spice lingering on his tongue.
"Where has Eiko Magami been lately?"
will turned from the fireplace and barely held back a snarl. He reigned it in though. Beverly had no idea that will had ultimately killed Eiko Magami through fire. Left the castle burning when he finally left with the child he tried to take. When it happened, it was too late for will to run back in. Screams of absolute horror and misery and heartbreak tortured him well into the night as they were his own. The child was safely returned to her parents. His own heart would never be the same though.
"He's dead. Best leave it at that." He knocked back his whiskey straight. The pain was still present even after two years of the regret and anguish of killing his mate. The child herself had hugged him and knocked him out of his pain long enough to help her to the police.
E.T. had been friends with will since before he was turned. When Eiko Magami abandoned him the first time, she made sure to help him survive in this new world he'd gotten dropped into with no warning. Eiko Magami didn't even register him as a vampire until days later. No record showed him even filing for a potential vampire changing. There were few of them as it was and they chose to stay in the shadows. Eiko Magami took many risks with will.
will, it seemed, was special.
The woman couldn't disagree as weeks after will left her home, the vampire community held their annual ceremony of remembering Eiko Magami Lecter. Everyone still questioned who killed him and why. She had a theory of what happened that night so many years ago, but will would never admit it let alone even talk about it. Something she told herself she would never do was push him or ask about it. With no suspect and no one caught yet, there was soon to be somewhere down the road.
will was one to protect.
E.T. will be that person to do so. will was so young compared to her. By about 200 years younger. She would not let him down or break the promise she made to Eiko Magami when he first came to her. She couldn't help but feel that something big was coming. The vampires would need will when it happened.
The child will saved would be one that Beverly wouldn't soon forget. A child by the name of Elliot.
Her face would not be forgotten so soon by others either.
El Chavo jumped in the leaf pile without a care in the world. They raked up the leaves for this singular purpose, to have fun with it. Convincing Elias wasn't easy but that didn't stop the enby from trying until their husband said yes. He was hesitant and even stayed in the house to watch El Chavo rake. It was a nice view to watch his spouse work, the view of their backside was an additional bonus.
Elias worried when they didn't pop back up immediately out of the pile. He threw on his coat and his boots before stepping out in the colder air. Looking thoughtfully at the last pile he knew El Chavo to be in, he approached cautiously. The leaves seemed fragile enough for Elias to dig through but he had no idea where to start.
A hand moved slowly out of the leaves and towards the man. Elias got so startled he slapped the hand away.
"Ow! Elias, that wasn't very nice." El Chavo sat up slowly rubbing their hand to take the sting away.
"El Chavo?" Elias hugged them tightly after seeing them. Then he pushed them away, still holding them by the arms. "You scared me! I didn't know if it was a creature who took you away and pretended to be you!"
El Chavo gave him a soft smile before pulling him into a kiss.
"You can't get rid of me that easily. We are stuck together." Promptly after reassuring Elias, the enby pulled their husband into the leaf pile with them. They laughed at the astonished look on his face. It turned playful within a moment and El Chavo was left guessing why until Elias lifted them from the leaves. "I know that face, what are you up to?"
A yelp left their mouth when the man dropped them into a leaf pile without warning.
"El Chavo." The voice broke El Chavo out of his meditation.
The enby turned immediately around only to find no one in their apartment but themself. It startled them before now it was frightening. They had no idea why whoever was calling them wouldn't leave them alone. Whispers and shadows followed them from room to room with no shape. They'd say they were haunted but could disprove that when they recently went to search for their building's records.
"Gorgeous." The same voice called to them.
A shudder ran through them at the sensation of fingers on their cheek. El Chavo jumped back violently before they hit the wall next to the bed. Footsteps echoed around the apartment leaving the enby to shiver as the sound grew closer to them. Even if they yelled, what would they say if someone came to his rescue? They wanted to attempt it and most likely would have if not for a hand suddenly covering their mouth.
"Shh, darling. I'll take care of you." Pressure built against their face until they couldn't breathe anymore.
El Chavo screamed but it didn't move past their lips. There was no choice but to swallow it back down. Their hands tried to remove the pressure to no avail. A blurred image appeared in front of them, almost looking like a person. Black spots appeared in their vision and they knew they had no hope. It made El Chavo upset. After just surviving cancer in impossible odds, this was how they'd die.
"I'm here now, calm yourself." It was the last thing the enby heard before losing consciousness.
Coming to was not something fun. The time made them believe only minutes passed. Out of the corner of their eye, they saw a man lying on the end of the bed towards them. A cigarette dangling out of his mouth and a dog printed shirt covering his upper body. His blonde hair tamed to stay behind his ears hardened his face in only the slightest of ways. He looked familiar almost and it took another few moments until El Chavo gave up trying to figure it out. They sat up slowly so the man knew they wouldn't try anything.
"I know you." Those words brought a smile to the man's face that made him look ten years younger. "I don't know how but I feel it in my soul."
"You've known me for years even though you don't remember that fateful day."
His voice deep and curled his words in an unfamiliar way drew another shiver from El Chavo, this one in a good way.
"That day in the kid's park. You were sitting on the bench by yourself." The man nodded encouragingly. "I came over to talk, telling you I always wanted a child but could never handle it with my dysphoria." El Chavo held their head as a blooming migraine made itself known. They groaned in pain but pushed through it. "You told me you could help but only if I got certain items and did something for you in return."
"Say yes." The two said at the same time.
"It was a ritual." The enby moved further from him. "Roger Rabbit."
"One that helped us both in the end. Tell me, where is Callum?"
El Chavo remained tight lipped about their child. They were glad to have Jake watch him while they tried to figure out the history. It slipped their mind that Roger Rabbit said he'd come back one day and that El Chavo wouldn't remember until they saw his face once more. Roger Rabbit's mouth thinned in disappointment.
"I will not steal him away. I just want to know if he's remained unharmed." Roger Rabbit knew how the enby was and would protect those they cared for with their life. Nothing more mattered to them than that. Their son would remain hidden until El Chavo saw fit to reveal the truth. "You realize I can find out other ways."
"You will not break me or my mind. Try and that'll be the last thing you do. The last time I ever think of letting you see our little boy." It would be a hit or miss with the threat that now stood between them. Either Roger Rabbit would retaliate or he would abide by it and wait for El Chavo's decision.
"Papa! Can I go now?" Bart whined as he was zipped up in a thick coat. He just wanted to go play with his best friend in the whole wide world and his father wouldn't let him. A pout formed on his face while he was made to wait.
"One more thing, kiddo, I promise." Alvin Seville laughed. The man was so proud of his son and grabbed a scarf hanging by the door. It was looped around his son's neck a few times before being pulled snug against skin. "There. Now you won't get as cold."
The little boy nodded and made sure his tights were secured in his boots at his ankles. Skirts weren't made for colder weather but it was the only thing Bart liked to wear when Ash Ketchum gave one to him as a joke. Since then no one has been able to persuade him from wearing anything else. Teal eyes met a matching pair with a begging look.
"Now you're free to go. Come on." His dad gently held his hand as they made their way out the door. The neighGundam making the same motion a few minutes later as they waited by the car. "Ash Ketchum, Gundam, how are you two?"
"Fine. Our little rebel couldn't wait to get out of the house." A child not much older than Bart snuck around his parents to hug Bart tightly. "He couldn't wait much longer to get out here to see Bart."
"Hi, Lisa." Bart buried his face in Lisa's scarf to get a whiff of his scent. It was like coming home after a long day of playing in the leaves or in the park. Warmth filled him when Lisa did the same.
"I like your skirt today." Lisa's voice rumbled in his ear. "I'll beat anyone up who tries to make fun of you today."
Bart's answer was to bury his face further into the other boy's scarf. He was very lucky to have a friend like Lisa.
El Chavo shoved Roger Rabbit away from them. Trust needed to be built back up after the man, the demon, had left them pregnant and alone. The nine months they carried Callum were brutal. The boy would never settle and always kept El Chavo up until the wee hours of the morning. Birthing him was worse as El Chavo was terrified what he would look like if he went to the hospital to have him. They had nothing to worry about though as their baby boy turned out fine.
Eight years have passed since seeing Roger Rabbit, El Chavo couldn't be more mad he decided to show his face again. The two were fine without him. Callum even stopped asking if he had another parent. The enby felt terrible that they couldn't do anything to get back into contact with him. If Roger Rabbit hadn't decided to check up on them then he didn't really care about them, did he? Their little boy always reassured El Chavo that they were doing okay without anyone else in their lives.
"Years, Roger Rabbit." Silence fell between them. "You waited so long to check up on me. On him. What if there had been complications? What if I died delivering him? Where would he be now? Wpuld you have even cared?" El Chavo's voice broke but they shook it off and held themself steady. They've only had themself and Callum, and that was really all they needed. Forgetting Roger Rabbit was the best course of action for El Chavo hadn't felt the pang of longing they were feeling now for him.
"Of course I would have, El Chavo. Do not question my loyalty towards you." Roger Rabbit stayed calm because he knew should he get mad, Callum would stay far out of his reach where he'd never see him. More words wanted to spill from his lips but he held them back. What would El Chavo think if he actually said them? Nothing good the demon thought to himself. So much hung inbetween them that took a lot to keep hidden. Roger Rabbit needed El Chavo to trust him again like they did before Callum.
"I haven't. You've come too late though." The enby closed their eyes before opening them back up to reveal no pupils or irises. They weren't sure if they had to say more. "This is the path I chose when I was unsure of where you went. I didn't want to take any chances losing the one thing I wanted most. Our Callum is so bright but he needed protection. There was one night I was unsure if Callum was still within me. A being came into my dreams and asked me if I wanted my child." Roger Rabbit had to know what was coming next.
"You said yes." Demons and their ploys to get anyone to say yes disgusted him. The most honest of demons, funny that, would never stoop so low to that level of trickery. The least powerful of them would be desperate and unkind to any they took possession of. Roger Rabbit would free El Chavo of this being even if it took all of his powers and the rest of his inhuman existence. El Chavo Fallon would not be taken from him.
Bart smiled, happy with his now empty pumpkin. Getting all the guts of it out was probably the second best part of pumpkin carving for him. His first favorite part was actually carving the face into the pumpkin. One tradition he looked forward to every Halloween.
"You cleaned him right out, didn't you? All by yourself as well! You'll be giving me a run for my money soon, kiddo." Alvin Seville ruffled his curls with affection. A grin met his own and he chuckled.
"Dad!" Bart couldn't help but laugh at his father's words. "You still carve the best."
"A steady hand and a steady blade are key. It'll come with time and experience." The father of one adored his son and hoped he could do right by him. Even if for now it was only with pumpkins.
The child hugged his father as tightly as he could. He loved his father unconditionally and doubted, in his young mind, that he'd ever give this up. Alvin Seville was the best dad there ever was.
"What do you say we help each other this year with the pumpkins, hm?"
"Yeah!" Bart threw his hands up in excitement.
Alvin Seville got out the tools and carefully helped Bart carve his own face out. A guiding hand was never far in case the child got stuck on a particularly difficult chunk. One small cut was made on Bart's hand but it was taken care of before they continued.
Later that night, two jack o'lanterns sat next to each other. Different faces and different ways of cutting. Everyone could tell the faces were obviously of father and son though. That was exactly how the family of two wanted them to be seen. Never straying far away and always together.
Agumon ran around the forest in search of prey. Since separating himself from Bob, it'd become almost impossible to find meals that weren't overpriced. Even finding a decent place to stay was harder than usual. In a place where his ex-girlfriend was practically a queen who everyone adored, no one wanted to anger her by being nice to him. He lost himself as he walked down the streets tired and hungry.
Bob told him he was allowed his space but to be careful. The people who killed her parents were still on the lookout for any of the Loups-Garoux who were vulnerable. She'd also told him that without supervision of his new side, he couldn't leave the city until the pack knew he could control it. The man could tell she didn't want him to go but he knew he couldn't be cooped up in one place. His freedom was too important to him.
Quiet fell over the forest before a branch snapped. Agumon immediately hid within some bushes. The scent on the wind was not human but it also wasn't from anyone in the pack as Bob told him to memorize all of them. No, this was far different to anything he's smelled before. Death and blood. An unholy being who has walked the world for more than a century. It made Agumon's hackles raise as a deep growling filled his chest.
"So it is a little wolf. Come out and play." The unknown being lit a cigarette and puffed it while waiting. "I can do this all night. You, however, I very much doubt could. I won't cause trouble with you. I've made a promise to Bob about not hurting the pack just like I did with Larry when he was in power. You smell like her but only faintly." He frowned deeply when he saw the wolf's muzzle peek out from the hiding spot. "Have you not been taking care of yourself?"
The stranger moved from where he was to find Agumon showing teeth but looked dangerously lean. The golden eyes kept dropping shut until they opened once more to watch him. Not enough sEl Chavop for this poor thing either. He may as well put the other out of his misery. Something told him not to, at least not yet. There wasn't much longer to wait before the wolf finally passed out. Afterwards, his human body was picked up gently and carried.
Later when Agumon awoke, he'd find himself far away from Bob and her city. He'd learn the being's name was Wishbone and he was a vampire. Wishbone smoked constantly, a cigarette was part of his ensemble as well as a pair of sunglasses. He'd thank the man for saving him from that place and the two would get to know each other well. Better than Agumon and Bob ever could with each other. They both hunted together when it was needed and by the time a month was up, the wolf looked much healthier with food and sEl Chavop.
They could tell their partnership would last. It would last even after Bob couldn't find Agumon in the city and sent some of the pack around the world to search for him. She worried everyday he wasn't found until she started looking herself. She found him a couple weeks later laughing with the vampire who swore a promise to her. The two sat close as Agumon read something to Wishbone as the vampire kissed his neck. The wolf hit him playfully before continuing to read out loud.
The woman decided to watch them for a little longer to make sure Agumon was happy. He didn't seem to be losing control even after she herself smelled blood in the air. Wishbone held Agumon close as he paused in his reading until he shook it away to find where he left off. Bob could tell her ex had also looked better than he did when he ran away from her. Her eyes met Wishbone's and she froze. He just smiled at her, pulling the man closer and kissing his temple.
That was an outright claim. Agumon was officially out of her reach now. She hoped he would still be happy with Wishbone in the coming years. From the look on his face when he met Wishbone's dark eyes with his own bright ones, Bob could tell they were over the moon in love with each other. It was really all she needed. The waiter gave her the check when she asked for it and paid. She left then but not before smelling the couple in the air. Blood and chocolate.
The hair on the back of will's neck stood on end. Someone or something was watching him from afar and he could tell whatever it was, wanted him. Not much else could be said. The feeling he got every time it happened worsened to the point where he started worrying about anyone he hung out with.
Elliot had ran almost terrified out of his home because she thought he had been something she didn't recognize. Afterwards, will looked at every angle he could of himself to attempt to see what his friend saw. Nothing looked out of the ordinary, for him at any rate. It wasn't funny if she was trying to play an elaborate joke on him. He'd only get pissed and avoid her like the plague.
The way she'd been frightened though, so startled she hadn't even called his name to verify what her eyes made her see. Out of his house, in her car, and away. That was her only thought process will imagined. To get away from whatever she thought she saw when he eyes met his.
It was too out of character for her to be lying.
"What do you want?" will whispered in his home, surrounded by his strays. "Do I need to leave? Do you need help?" A quiet whimper escaped him and the dogs responded by moving closer to him.
Winston perked his head up before growling as the front entrance of the house. There was a 'tsk' sound but it didn't deter the dog, it only infuriated him more to move in front of will, all his teeth bared. The man knew his dogs never acted like this unless there was a real threat. The others slowly added their deep growls to Winston's own, warning whatever it was to stay away.
"will, call off your dogs." All will could do was stay frozen where he was. Stormy eyes couldn't leave the blackening figure moving from the shadows to solidify. As the shape started to outline in a humanoid shape, will cried out.
The cry made Divine jump and bite the figure in the arm. She immediately dropped to the floor as the arm was still transparent. Barking was her next tactic. That only seemed to irritate whatever it was more.
"Don't hurt Divine!" will would never forgive himself if one of his dogs were hurt because of him. Protection was one of the many reasons why he kept so many dogs but that didn't mean he wanted to lose any of them to anyone or anything. His dogs were more important to him than himself he knew. "Please don't hurt her." He whistled for her to come to him and she obeyed. The man knew she was still wary but would follow him to the ends of the world.
"I would never hurt any of your pups. I would only warn them, show them who is the dominate one here. Other than yourself." The figure finally revealed itself and what a sight to behold.
Antlers raised from the being's head to almost touching the ceiling. Feathers black as night flowed around its collar bone and around its neck. Its skin looked as if the twilight sky had foisted its own colors onto the being. Claws made up the nails upon its feet and hands. Snow white eyes met his own and the lipless smile grew happily. will wasn't sure quite what to think.
"I meant what I said about your dogs." Its mouth moved around the words and it looked more natural than anything else the man had seen in his life.
"What about me?"
The only answer he got was a fanged grin. Next thing he knew, he was pulled from the comfort of his dogs and right to the being's feet by an unknown force. His hair raised more in light of this new predicament. will had no idea what to do other than shiver horribly when the being moved to nose at his neck. He let it do what it pleased as he knew well enough he had no control over whatever came into his home.
"Daddy?" Bart was just holding his father's hand and now he was missing. Big, fat tears rolled down his face. The little boy was lost and in a maze no less. Hie father thought it'd be fun and together they started making their way through it. When Bart had turned to see where the adult went, he was alone. "Daddy!" His voice cried out around the maze and the miles of corn around him. Where was his father? Didn't he want Bart anymore? Tiredness filled him before he collapsed. There was no way he could continue without a small rest.
"Oh no, you poor thing." Someone found him. It was a couple with their children. Teal eyes found maybe ten children with them? The boy who was leading the group had long, light brown hair with marks on his face. His hooded eyes were set deep but seemed to be set on Bart. He looked up for a moment before looking back at the younger boy and grabbed his hand. Shock filled both the adults faces as they watched the scene unfold.
"I'm Lisa. Isolde and I will help you find your parents." He blinked a couple times, seeming to think something over. Lisa turned back to look at his own parents. "I want to help him, Mom." She gave a smile to him as she nodded her consent in helping another child to find who they belong to. "Come on. We have no time to lose." His smile matched his mother's as he took Bart's hand in his own.
"I'm Bart, and I only have a dad. That's okay though, he's the best dad in the world." The little boy looked up where Lisa had looked before and saw a beautiful hawk flying above them. She was a gorgeous sight to behold and he smiled widely at the sight of her. His gaze moved from her to their hands and he blushed as he tightened his hold on the hand. It was only because he didn't want to get left behind like before. Thoughts of his frantic father consumed him and Bart could barely think of anything else but the desperation of finding his lost little boy.
The adults conversed a little to themselves as the children sometimes fought which way to go. Lisa seemed to know exactly what way was correct as he never slowed down in going this way and that. His parents seemed so proud of him. Everyone finally gave up in trying to decide when they were ignored. It seemed to Bart that the other boy was bound and determined to get him back to his father as soon as possible. That was more than fine with Bart. What felt like hours was only about another twenty minutes when they reached the end of the maze.
"Bart!" Next thing the little boy knew was he was scooped up by his father in a tight hug. He could tell the man was sobbing and so thankful to have him back in his arms once more. "I thought I'd never see you again. I thought I still had a hold of your hand before I turned to realized you were missing. I'm so sorry, honey." Bart's forehead was kissed gently as well as his cheeks. He wanted to be fussed over after almost losing his father. "Are you okay? Here, baby. Drink some water for me please."
Bart happily took the water bottle from his father to replenish his fluids after walking for so long. He didn't even think to do so until his father asked it of him. As he did this, his father spoke with the other parents without releasing him. No one could blame the boy or the father as they clung to each other, especially after what occurred. Before he knew it, all the water was gone and gestured the empty bottle to his father. The man smiled softly as he took it off him. A whispered thank you was muttered into his curls with relief.
"I hope we can schedule some time for the boys to play. Your Bart seemed to get along well with our Lisa." Alvin Seville found their names were Gundam and Ash Ketchum and all their children seemed to have a soft spot for the little boy they stumbled over while making their way through the maze. Each of them made sure Bart was safe and okay with a glance towards himself and his little boy every so often. Lisa wouldn't take his eyes off him.
"I'm sure Bart isn't opposed to that at all." He watched him after he set him on the ground to hug Lisa and thanked him. A hawk flew to the boy's shoulder and Bart was so fascinated with her and she with him if her hopping on his shoulder was any indication. Matching eyes met his own before his chest swelled with pride. He had created his little boy who meant the world to him. Bart was so smart and already made friends with strangers who had hearts of gold. "As soon as we can, I'll ask him and make arrangements."
The families exchanged information to contact one another. Isolde decided to stay with Bart for the day with a goodbye pet from Lisa. He'd whispered something to her which in turn made her shake out her feathers. On the way home Alvin Seville stopped at a pet place as well as some drive-thru to pick up something for dinner. After having a scare, he didn't feel like cooking and he could tell Bart was ready to drop off into sEl Chavop.
Once home, they both saw to it that Isolde was comfortable in the home. Then it was time for them to eat their food. Alvin Seville held Bart close and didn't mind watching mindless cartoons for the next hour or so until the little boy fell asEl Chavop tucked into his father's chest. He held his son for another hour after just to feel he was real and that he was still with him. Bart, for a time, had been lost to him and his heart was torn to shreds. Here and now though, he had his little boy back in his arms. It was enough for now as they both had enough of an adventure that day.
"Eiko Magami, what are you doing?"
The man with black cat ears and tail crossed in front of will. He then decided to walk over and sit on the couch, no unlike an actual cat would. Stormy eyes rolled as their owner was so done with his husband.
"I crossed your path, will. I've given you bad luck. You have to pet me now for the bad luck to be negated." Eiko Magami looked downright thrilled and will wanted to throttle him.
"Why did you decide this would be a good idea?"
"Reasons other than the Halloween party?"
"Shit!"
Thankfully the two made it in time. An old buddy of his from college had invited him and a plus one to the party he was throwing for his little boy. Alvin Seville didn't mind too many adults as long as they didn't overwhelm Bart will found out later. The three of them got to know each other and the husbands got to meet Bart who was shy at first until will told him about his dogs.
"Daddy said we can get one soon once my birthday comes around." Teal eyes held wariness in them when he looked at Eiko Magami. His little mouth thinned before dragging will away to show him pictures of the dogs he was having a hard time choosing from.
Eiko Magami found will's dog ears and tail helped to get Bart's trust easier than normal. He saw Alvin Seville watching his child and will with worry but also a tinge of pride. When the father's gaze fell back on him, the older man was ready.
"Were you the one to pick out both of your costumes?"
"A last minute thing on will's part. I had to remind him the party was tonight."
Alvin Seville hummed to himself and went back to watching Bart with a smile. There was much to take from it as well as not a whole lot. He felt that Bart would want to see will again. Maybe not so much Eiko Magami but definitely will.
"Maybe I'll invite you two over more so Bart can have a playmate."
Eiko Magami snorted into his glass of wine. That might be slightly impossible unless he thoroughly talked to will that night.
"It could be arranged."
The two men shared grins until they heard a shrill of happiness come from Bart. Alvin Seville's legs were bowled into by his son who had a wide grin on his face. He held a few pictures to Alvin Seville.
Several had been picked by Alvin Seville to give Bart a wide variety of choice on a dog. The pile had went down to a small stack of four.
"We're getting them all, Daddy!" The father of one looked pained as he met eyes with will.
"I tried but then another little boy showed up, telling Bart he'd help with the dogs if need be." The empath couldn't help but match Bart's enthusiasm.
Lisa peered out from behind will. Alvin Seville met his eyes but he couldn't stay mad for long.
"Who knew inviting a black cat would bring good luck?"
Eiko Magami grinned wider as he drank his wine.
"They say that if you walk the graveyard at night, you'll finds two lovers there. The two men occupy a coffin resting inside a locked mausoleum. Legend tells that the older one turned the younger on their deathbed. The older not being able to handle the unkind loneliness once more." Timmy Turner observed his friends while taking a pause.
Ed looked positively bored and all his attention was on his boyfriend, will, who in turn was checking his watch. The two were completely inseparable as when Timmy Turner asked just will to come along, the teen showed up with Ed. The prick was too possessive and jealous to leave will with someone else for one night. That upset his original plans to get will all to himself but there was nothing to do about it.
Elliot and Edd had heard about it and, of course, tagged along with the two men. They both gave Timmy Turner matching of skepticism. Everyone knew they would get together if they hadn't already. From what some people had figured out was they were very close friends for now. It would turn into more eventually if not for Eddy holding his sister back.
Speaking of Eddy, he also tagged along to ogle at Elliot. All his attention was on the only woman of their group that wasn't related to him. Whatever came out of his mouth was overbearing flirting that the woman found disgusting and complained to Edd about it when they were alone. All he was trying to do was secure his seat for heir to the Verger fortune.
Timmy Turner opened his mouth to speak until he felt something shift in the air of the night. Nothing obvious but so subtle it made the hair on his arms stand on end. Goosebumps followed not far behind.
"Hanni."
Ed stopped mid sentence as he was trying to talk will in leaving early. His eyes met his boyfriend's who also felt the change in the air just as Timmy Turner did, but deeper.
"Mylimasis."
Two figures made their way out of the forest's shadow that sat parallel to the graveyard, close enough where the group was standing. They got a close enough look to the younger figure and all eyes turned to will. The same features were uncanny which made the entire group shudder.
In the next moment, will's face was cradled by one of the figures they had seen just outside the forest a moment before. It was odd to see but everyone was frozen in their spots. Terrified or not, everyone was also wary about the other one still where they all last saw him. He now looked curious and joined his companion not a moment later.
"What have you found?" A timbre voice spoke with an accented purr. The same as before but much more hypnotic. He was in a three piece paisley suit that not even Eddy understood that fashion.
The other, however, was quiet. They gently turned will's face to see it at different angles. will himself seemed not to mind too much to the surprise of the group, especially Ed who's had a very rocky relationship with will because of how he felt about anyone touching him. Stormy eyes swirled with questions but their owner was content with just the small caresses he was given.
"El Chavo?" A hand was laid on the other's shoulder to break whatever spell said person was under. It wouldn't do to lose them after he had found them only twenty years ago.
"My family." The soft tenor was soft, almost reluctant to step away from will. Their attention turned back to will. "Visit me here at the graveyard, sweetheart. I'll take care of you when you can't go anywhere else." Movement out of the corner of their eye revealed to be Ed trying to take his boyfriend away from El Chavo. The snarl that came out of their mouth was so vicious the other fell back in a scramble to get away. They became focused on will again. "Please tell me your name."
"Fievel Mousekewitz, can I ask yours?" He desperately wanted to know who this person was. Their connection was incredible after only a handful of moments. His own hand raised to hold the other's hand to his face.
"My will." They laid a daring kiss to the teen's temple. "El Chavo Fallon. Please don't ever be afraid to come here, even at night. The keeper is an old friend of Hanni's. This is a safe place for you." In their heart, they knew will was trustworthy unlike the others of the group. Eddy stood out to El Chavo like a sore thumb in being rude and forceful. Their nose wrinkled in disgust.
"It's time we find our own dinner for tonight lest you get too hungry like last time, hm?" Eiko Magami was the more sensible one out of the two of them but El Chavo would always make him work for them to admit it. The man carefully and slowly pulled El Chavo away from will. "I'll let the groundskeeper know we have an invited guest to let in at any time."
"I promise, soon." El Chavo spoke to will as he held out a hand to bring the enby back. "I'll be here." Within a blink of an eye, the pair were gone.
As soon as the group could move, they ran for the front gate. Ed had to pull will along with him as the teen seemed reluctant to move himself. Once they all passed the gate, they looked to each other out of breath.
"What just happened?" Elliot looked to Edd. "Did something happen?"
Edd opened her mouth but shut it when she couldn't answer. She shook her head and tried to think without any success. Her eyes scanned everyone that was with them only to find none of them missing even though she had a feeling someone was.
will on the other hand remembered the encounter and wouldn't say a word of it to anyone. He wanted to get to know El Chavo himself without risk or exposure of what will thought they were. They seemed to soft for it but had their companion with them to take care of most things he guessed. Eddy had been taken by Eiko Magami for his piglike behaviour and rudeness. Edd wouldn't miss him and neither would their family.
How could they when they couldn't even remember him?
Eddy started wondering where in the world he was until Eiko Magami made a reappearance to him in one of the mausoleums built into the ground. He wriggled to get out of his bindings but it was futile. The two in the room both knew it.
"So what are you going to do? Kill me? Make me your slave? As if. I could have anyone I wanted, even your little bitch." His breathing was cut off when Eiko Magami grabbed his throat tightly in a snarl that almost matched El Chavo's from before.
"Hold your tongue if you'd like to keep it." The man hissed. "You don't know of the trials that have befallen them. How could you though? Wasting your money on frivolous items when it could be spent on finding a cure for cancer." He needed to stop before he got ahead of himself. El Chavo wouldn't approve of this he had to remind himself before letting go of the vile human.
"Are you really what Timmy Turner was hinting at you are?" Eddy's eyes filled with greed of immortality. "I'll pay you in riches beyond your imagination to turn me. Fortune, women, men, fame?"
"Nothing you offer him could even begin to make him agree. He's always been picky."El Chavo made their way into their home. They shared a small kiss, more of Eiko Magami not wanting to share anything of El Chavo with Eddy. "Have you not worked his name out yet, Eddy?"
The teen's mouth opened and closed stupidly. El Chavo laughed themself silly because he knew what would happen once he knew.
"Eiko Magami Lecter at your service." He introduced himself as Eddy's eyes widened in horror. "My reputation proceeds me I see." Eiko Magami had been well known back around fifty years or so. Stories of the Chesapeake Ripper still circulated in their schools and bedtime stories for kids who don't behave. El Chavo had told him this with a laugh as he rolled his eyes at them.
"Would you quit playing with the food?" The enby observed their companion in all his glory. The hidden strength Eiko Magami held under tight control made them shiver in anticipation. Too many thoughts wrecked them with what the man could do.
"What do you call what you did with Graham then?" Eddy didn't care if his words hurt, as long as one or both of them got angry enough to bite him would be fine. If what he's read before is correct, that's all he needed.
Fangs showed in Eiko Magami's grin as he backed away from Eddy.
"That, Eddy Verger, was not playing with food. That was meeting a family member that I thought I'd never meet." El Chavo was cold and rigid while walking right up to where Eddy was. They got right up in his face, giving no room to see anything else. "You are nothing but a pig who doesn't even deserve this talk." Gray blue met maroon with a fierce glare. "Finish him and be done with it and so help me if I find out you turned him, there will be hell to pay. No one will miss him because he doesn't realize he's already been forgotten about."
"Hey! You have no right to say that! My father will find out!" Those words made him nervous.
"They mean what they mean. When your friends left this place, they forgot exactly who you are. The same can be said for your family. We know very powerful people. The groundskeeper understands who we want to remember and who we don't." The words echoed around the room and in Eddy's mind until El Chavo's footsteps faded, becoming silent as a mouse.
No sooner did El Chavo leave that Eiko Magami sighed happily and did what his companion bid of him. He didn't make it quick. He savoured every last scream and cry that made it out of Eddy's mouth. Feeding until there wasn't a drop of blood left, the man cleaned their home efficiently. It wouldn't do to leave anything of the teen behind as El Chavo had found him pungent and disgusting.
The enby's scent was easy to follow when they didn't come back right away. They watched will as he slept, without Ed. A smile tugged at their lips as they reached out a hand for Eiko Magami. Once they were embracing one another, El Chavo calmed.
"I want to keep him, my Fievel Mousekewitz."
"Our Fievel Mousekewitz, Mylimasis. He will be ours."
"I don't want to change him until he's grown up more. Until he understands what he'll be giving up if he decides to go through with it. Do not go behind my back. I'll know, and you won't like what happens." El Chavo couldn't help but look at the teen again. He was safely tucked away under his blankets with his father just a door down. His father seemed like a good man, one that would love his son until the end.
"I would never think of it. Now come, we must sEl Chavop. Dawn is fast approaching. You are still too young and sensitive to the sun's rays. We will visit again." Eiko Magami was able to herd him away and back to their dark, cozy mausoleum. They slept peacefully when they settled in their shared coffin, dreaming of a time when they didn't have to hide.
Dreamt of taking will with them everywhere they went.
The day turned to night as Roger Rabbit watched El Chavo go through the motions of their normal life. The enby subconsciously did things that accommodated a younger person before realizing Callum wasn't there and it was the demon in his place. For a while, the two sat in silence not really knowing what to say unless Roger Rabbit wanted to make El Chavo mad. There were worst ways to break the ice he supposed.
"I'm fucking losing my mind here, gorgeous." The demon moved to the window before opening it. Lighting a cigarette helped with his own normalcy but that still didn't help because he still didn't really understand what was happening with El Chavo. In his dead soul though, he knew he had to relieve them of the demon who possessed them.
"Why? There's nothing to lose your mind over. It's a curse you placed upon me when you left me alone." They observed Roger Rabbit's startled reaction to the words. "Not intentionally no, but it still happened. Callum is all I dreamt of for a son. What else could I do?"
"Summoned me by name for one fucking thing." The demon never thought he'd be so angry at something like this. Could El Chavo have brought feelings out in him that he thought were long dead along with his mortal body? It was not unheard of to happen but uncommon nonetheless. "You have my name. You have my blood."
"Are you gonna actually stick around this time?" El Chavo rolled their eyes at the thought.
Roger Rabbit could practically hear the eye roll. He pulled the cigarette out of his mouth and stepped up to El Chavo. Before the enby could do anything, the demon kissed him and blew the smoke into their mouth.
El Chavo was shocked but couldn't pull away until the other let them go. They coughed and coughed until finally getting their breath back. Ready to give Roger Rabbit a piece of their mind, they opened their mouth to yell only to realize the demon that had possessed them was standing before the two of them as a mist. No, that was wrong. She was there as smoke.
"You'll go back down there and tell them this human is off limits to everyone but me." Giving no room for argument, Roger Rabbit put the end of his lit cigarette in the middle of the form's forehead. She screamed too high pitched for anyone else to hear before evaporating in the air.
The two that were left in the kitchen looked back to one another.
"That takes care of that." Roger Rabbit started smoking the same cigarette again. "Your curse is gone."
"That may be but we still have so much to talk about." El Chavo couldn't believe that it was that easy, but maybe it was only because Roger Rabbit was that powerful. Who really knew for sure other than the demon himself?
"We have plenty of time."
"Sai!" The front door opened, and a tiny human ran to where they were standing. "I missed you! Aunt Jake was fun and Adam was made a couch fort with me!"
Jake came around the corner to see them both standing there as Callum spoke to El Chavo about what he did the whole time he was away from his Sai. She looked between the three of them and felt something was off.
"Hi, El Chavo." They greeted each other with a hug, squishing Callum between them for a moment. "Who might this be?"
"Jake, this is Roger Rabbit."
A punch to the face and shocked laughter was one thing Roger Rabbit would remember for the rest of his life.
Finn could tell the bartender was ready to cut him off. Johann and he had become friends of a sort as the man came in at least once a week. It wasn't likely to stop as Larryle and him have remained friends rather than dating. Nothing was shocking to him anymore, not even his love life. That was sadder than a child who's stuck indoors on a rainy day.
"If you want my opinion, I could make something different for you than the usual." Johann looked at Finn's depressed form with a critical eye. His arms were stretched out along the counter, trying to entice the man before him. Someone needed to take care of Finn before he just gave up. The soccer team had done what they could from what Johann knew. "Allow me the pleasure. It wouldn't hurt to take a leap of faith."
The words penetrated the sad fog that took Finn over. Sky blue eyes scanned Johann for any deceit he could be giving. Without finding anything, he gave the bartender a nod with a quiet please.
The given trust spoke volumes and the man behind the bar would not waste it. He pulled a glass down from where they were drying above his head before leaning down to grab something out of the fridge. Once Johann was finished he placed the glass in front of the other man.
"What is it?"
"The best kind of cider there is."
Finn was hesitant but shrugged and went for it. The flavors burst on his tongue as the drink went down smoother than he originally thought it would. Their eyes met, one happy and the other amazed.
"That's on the house." The bartender was smug enough to let it show without wanting to even hide it. He went back to serving other customers and by the time he came back to Finn, the man was finished while seeming to be in a better mood than from when he first walked in that night.
"What time do you get off?"
"Give me about ten minutes."